Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the approval of qualification standards for new school counseling positions under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, paving the way for the expansion of mental health services in public schools.

Approved by the Civil Service Commission through Resolution No. 2600920, the standards cover the positions of Schools Division Counselor, School Counselor I–IV, and School Counselor Associate I–V.

With the approval, the Department of Budget and Management may now begin creating 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions for deployment in public schools starting School Year 2026–2027.

Angara said the initiative is a major step toward strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services in schools, in line with President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to make schools safer, more caring, and learner-centered environments. DepEd will next prepare guidelines for the recruitment, appointment, and deployment of qualified counselors.